While there was no Ribfest in Kamloops this summer because of COVID-19, it was a successful raffle.

Organizers say over $30,000 was raised this year which surpassed this year’s goal and exceeded last year’s raffle total, despite it being held online.

“As we typically sell out of tickets at Ribfest, we printed more this year to hopefully raise additional funds for local business,” organizer Danica Wilkinson said, noting the pandemic couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm that Kamloops has for the raffle.

The money raised will be used to help organizations that provide youth and seniors programs as well as the Kamloops Food Bank.

“All the money raised goes back into our community which probably explains why everyone is so pleased to participate,” Wilkinson added.

There was nearly $14,000 in prizes this year, and Rona Kozak took home the grand prize – one year of free groceries from Save-on Foods.